'Missing for Decades: The Vosseler Abduction,' a documentary about a still-unsolved 1986 parental kidnapping
Charles Martin Vosseler kidnapped his toddler sons on Oct. 9, 1986
Charles Martin Vosseler kidnapped his toddler sons on Oct. 9, 1986
Charles Martin Vosseler kidnapped his toddler sons on Oct. 9, 1986
A former real estate broker in New Hampshire is wanted by the FBI in connection with the 1986 kidnapping of his toddler sons.
- Last seen: Oct. 9, 1986
- Reported sighting: 1989
- Case status: Missing persons/Wanted by FBI
Charles Martin Vosseler kidnapped his sons, Charles Jason "CJ" Vosseler, 3, and William Martin "Billy" Vosseler, 2, from their Rochester home on Oct. 9, 1986, officials said.
>> See WMUR's new documentary about the kidnapping in the video player above <<
Vosseler said he was taking their sons to visit family in Connecticut, but they never returned.
"I think he told them that I died."
Vosseler was indicted on Feb. 5, 1987, by a Strafford County grand jury on two counts of interference with custody.
A federal criminal complaint was filed in New Hampshire, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on April 3, 1987. He was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
There was a reported sighting of the family in Oklahoma in 1989, but by the time authorities arrived, the home had burned to the ground, and the family was gone.
"We found out that he had been planning this for quite some time," Ruth Parker, the boys' mother, said.
Vosseler, who is originally from Stafford Springs, Connecticut, was described as a white man with brown hair and blue eyes. He stands about 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs around 225 pounds. Officials said he may wear glasses.
He has used many aliases, including Charles Foster, Charlie Wilson, Charles Malcolm Amidon, Charles M. Vosseler, Charles M. Wilson, Charles Wilson, Charles M. Amidon and Charles M. Vosseler, Jr.
"I really think that honestly, this was all done by design."
His date of birth is March 6, 1942, but he has also been known to use March 6, 1943, and Feb. 6, 1944, as alternative birthdates.
He has ties to Oklahoma, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Florida.
His older son, CJ Vosseler, would now be 41 years old. He would turn 42 on Dec. 9. He was described as having blond hair and green/blue eyes.
The younger son, Billy Vosseler, would be 40 years old on April 21. He was described as having brown hair with red tones and light blue eyes.
Age-progressed photos released by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children show what the Vosselers may have looked like.
NCMEC also released age-progressed photos of what the Vosselers may have looked like in 2010.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the location of Charles Martin Vosseler, Charles Jason Vosseler or William Martin Vosseler.
>> View more information from the FBI
Officials said Charles Martin Vosseler should be considered armed and dangerous.
Can you help officials solve this case? Submit a tip to your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
>> See WMUR's new documentary about the kidnapping in the video player atop this page <<